Originally Posted by pstyle (Post 425856)

Here's my take on this "units concerned" business, working from most recent to oldest:

By May 18th, these "units concerned" has been stocked with the necessary 100 octane

Prior to May 18th. There are two separate lines of discussion.
One relates to Bomber command and the stocking/ holding of two fuel types a Blenheim statinos, mainly stations Wyton, Watton, Waattsiham and West Raynham.

Fighter command, on the other hand was also subject to the same "proposal" that "certain units" should "begin to use 100 octane". There was some discussion about whether or not the existing spitfires and hurricanes could actually convert to the 100 fuel without substantial modifications. However, this concern was proved unfounded. They could use the 100 fuel.

So who are these "certain units"?
Well, as Talisman identifies in his post above, these "certain units" are the "squadrons armed with fighters and Blenheims" as specified by Assistant Chief of the Air Staff - who sits ABOVE both fighter and bomber command, which is why, form the overall RAF perspective this refers to "certain units", and not ALL units.

I think it's entirely fair to suggest, that from the perspective of fighter command, this referred to ALL fighter units.

I am in agreement with Talisman that by May 18th, all of these "units concerned" were using 100 Octane. And that their Spitfires and Hurricanes could use the fuel WITHOUT considerable modification, as per the statement of Mr Tweedie, at the May 1940 meeting.

There is a sting in the tail though, while the Spits/Hurris could use the 100, they would not get the performance benefit until the modifications had occurred to each individual aircraft.

Originally Posted by pstyle (Post 425917)

Which "original 16"?
Who identifies these "original 16". I've not seen this bit yet (it might be too far back in the thread).. I'd happily accept a fresh link, if you'd oblige.

Assuming it were only these 16 (none of which I can find), if say, one of these 16 (as yet unidentified) squadrons was based at at a station with other units not in the 16, would that station have had both fuels?

Originally Posted by Al Schlageter (Post 425993)

It should noted lane that the squadrons you list are doing so well before the Sept date so often stated by some.

Originally Posted by lane (Post 425998)

Yes, the historical record shows that in March 1939 when the planners were looking at converting 16 fighter squadrons to 100 octane, there were in fact only 16 operational squadrons (+/- 1) equipped with Hurricanes or Spitfires.

Originally Posted by robtek (Post 426034)

I am all for it, but only if there are felt penalties for abusing/overboosting the engines of all sides longer as rated!!!

Like loosing power slowly or better a increased chance of throwing a rod or something like that, this combined with corrected oil and water temperature changes.

Originally Posted by robtek (Post 426034)

I am all for it, but only if there are felt penalties for abusing/overboosting the engines of all sides longer as rated!!!

Like loosing power slowly or better a increased chance of throwing a rod or something like that, this combined with corrected oil and water temperature changes.

Originally Posted by TomcatViP (Post 426088)

30MPH extra speed only ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

why not 300mph ?:mad: